A mammogram is a screening tool that is used to help doctors detect abnormalities in the breasts. If an abnormality is found on your mammogram, your doctor will order additional testing, which may include a breast ultrasound, to make a definitive diagnosis. While about 90% mammogram findings turn out to be non-cancerous, it’s important to have additional testing to know for sure.

Breast ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to produce images of structures inside the body. It is used as a diagnostic test to help radiologists determine if an abnormality is solid or fluid-filled. Breast ultrasound is a safe imaging exam that doesn’t use any radiation. There are no known risks for ultrasound.

How to Prepare

You will need to undress and remove any jewelry from the waist up. A gown will be provided for you to wear throughout the exam. You may eat, drink and take medications as you normally would before and after your exam.

What to Expect

An ultrasound technologist places some ultrasound gel onto the area to be imaged, then moves a small device, known as a transducer, over the area to obtain images and measurements from different angles. The transducer emits sound waves, which are received by the ultrasound equipment and converted into images on a screen. The technologist will capture specific views throughout the exam, which will then be interpreted by a radiologist.

Our Staff

Ultrasound Technologist
Every ultrasound technologist at The Breast Center of Maple Grove has completed an approved training program and is licensed through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

Breast Health Patient Navigator
Patients receiving a breast ultrasound after an abnormal mammogram will have the opportunity speak to Tracy Fisher, our Breast Health Patient Navigator. In her role as Patient Navigator, Tracy helps patients understand their exams and treatments, answers their questions and provides support throughout the process.

Radiologist
The radiologists at The Breast Center of Maple Grove are board certified experts in diagnostic radiology. In addition to their clinical expertise, each radiologist strives to make each patient feel comfortable and supported throughout their medical imaging exam.

Make an appointment at the Breast Center of Maple Grove

If you’re due for your annual mammogram, come to The Breast Center of Maple Grove. We offer extended appointments for screening mammograms and can accommodate walk-ins as well as same day appointments. And if you need additional imaging after your mammogram, you’ll be in good hands at The Breast Center of Maple Grove—our staff is ready to answer your questions and help you feel comfortable throughout your exam. Contact us today at 763-398-6370.

As many as 40% of breast cancers are found by a physical exam, not mammography. While mammography remains the gold standard in the early detection of breast cancer, a breast self-exam can be a useful tool to help women become more familiar with what’s normal and not normal for their breasts.

What
A breast self-exam is monthly check of your own breasts.

Who
Adult women of all ages, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, should do a monthly breast self-exam.

Why
A breast self-exam helps you become familiar with your breasts so you will notice changes earlier. Early detection is always best!

When
A breast self-exam should be performed at least once a month. It’s important to note that it is not unusual for a woman’s breasts to change throughout the month according to her menstrual cycle. If you are still menstruating, you may want to try performing the self-exam at different times in your cycle so you become familiar with the typical monthly changes to your breasts.

Where
Many women choose to perform breast self-exams in the shower. It’s also helpful to do a self-exam while lying down because the breast tissue moves in a different way.

Next, move your fingers around your breast in a circular pattern. Check the entire breast and armpit area. Be sure to feel the area outside the breast including up to the collarbone, out to the armpit, in to the middle of the chest and down to the bottom of the ribcage. For complete, detailed instructions, please visit the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

What to do if you notice breast changes

Contact your doctor if you notice any concerning changes in your breast(s). While most abnormalities will turn out to be non-cancerous findings, it is important to have them checked. With cancer, early detection is always best. Come to The Breast Center of Maple Grove for your mammogram or additional testing for a breast abnormality. Our relaxing and comfortable office can accommodate walk-ins or same-day appointments for mammograms. Our staff is always happy to answer your questions. Call us at 763-398-6370.

This month, we’re excited to shine the spotlight on Nellie H. Bauer, MD. She has been working with Minneapolis Radiology since 2000 and The Breast Center of Maple Grove since its opening in 2011. With nearly 25 years of experience, Dr. Bauer brings a great deal of clinical expertise to our practice. She works with patients across the full spectrum of breast care including screening mammography, diagnostic exams, MRI and biopsy procedures.

What is a typical day at The Breast Center of Maple Grove?

“Busy!” says Dr. Bauer, “I have to be very good at multi-tasking and handling frequent interruptions without losing my train of thought.” The field of radiology has grown significantly in the last few decades. Rapidly advancing technology and an increasing number of minimally invasive treatment options make radiologists an integral part of the health care team. Not only do radiologists interpret a large variety of imaging studies, but they also perform many minimally invasive treatments and procedures, which were previously only possible through surgery. “Fortunately, I am part of a great group of radiologists who support each other and work closely together to do the best job we can for the patient.”

What led you to breast imaging?

As a breast imaging specialist, Dr. Bauer most enjoys the contact with patients, and the use of multiple radiology modalities and procedures to solve problems and correctly diagnose patients. “It is really rewarding to be part of a multi-specialty breast health team,” says Dr. Bauer, who routinely works closely with primary care physicians, surgeons, radiologists and oncologists in order to consult on cases and coordinate treatments.

What should women do to improve their health?

“Eat right, exercise regularly and don’t smoke,” urges Dr. Bauer, “those three things would go a long way to improving people’s health.” While advances in technology and screening examinations have allowed doctors to detect and treat cancer at earlier stages, it’s important to do what you can to prevent cancer from ever developing. Adopting a healthy diet and exercise plan as well as staying away from cigarettes will help reduce a woman’s risk of developing cancer.

Outside of the office

When she’s not working, Dr. Bauer most enjoys spending time with her husband, two children and dogs. They can often be found watching their children’s lacrosse games, playing golf and tennis, or running.

Schedule your appointment

Are you due for your screening mammogram? The Breast Center of Maple Grove offers same day appointments and can also accommodate walk-ins for mammography exams. Call us at 763-398-6370 or stop by our office at 9855 Hospital Drive, Suite 150 in Maple Grove.

This month, we’re delighted to introduce you to Tracy Fisher. A veteran in the field, Tracy has worked in women’s healthcare for over 15 years and is a Certified Breast Patient Navigator (BPN, CN-BC). Tracy has worked with our group since 2007 and plays a very important role at BCMG.

The Breast Center of Maple Grove offers a wide array of breast screening and diagnostic exams. While most screening exams will be completely normal, sometimes an abnormality is present, which requires additional imaging and possibly a biopsy. That’s where Tracy comes in. Patients facing diagnostic procedures have many questions and are often understandably nervous about what comes next. In her role as Patient Navigator, Tracy helps patients understand their exams and treatments, answers their questions and provides support throughout the process.

A typical day for a Patient Navigator

There isn’t one! As a complement to our expert team of technologists and physicians, Tracy works closely with different patients, each with unique needs and concerns, every day. When asked what she likes most about her job, Tracy says, “I like being able to help patients through a stressful time. I am here for patients throughout their entire experience at the breast center – whether they need help finding resources to understand their condition or just someone to hold their hand, I’ll be there for them.” When not accompanying a patient in an exam, she can usually be found returning patient phone calls or emails.

When she’s not working

Tracy likes to spend time with her two awesome sons, one amazing husband and two dogs, who are often treated like children. She likes traveling, camping, fishing, road trips, snowmobiling, reading and DIY home improvement projects.

The patient experience at The Breast Center of Maple Grove

We want to create the best experience for our patients and their families. In addition to the support of the Patient Navigator, BCMG delivers a relaxing and comfortable environment that recently underwent a major face-lift. Our expert team of technologists and physicians will go the extra mile to ensure our patients are comfortable and the best possible images are obtained. For the convenience of our patients, we offer same-day results and appointments and can also accommodate walk-ins. To learn more or schedule an appointment, please contact us at 763-398-6370.